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Man who killed wife with hammer not fit for release
TL;DR
The Parole Board has determined that Robert Brown, who killed his estranged wife Joanna Simpson in 2010, is not fit for release from prison. He will remain incarcerated until at least 2036 due to concerns about his risk to the public.
Key points
- Robert Brown killed Joanna Simpson in October 2010.
- He was sentenced to 26 years for manslaughter.
- The Parole Board ruled he is not fit for release.
- His release was initially planned for November 2023.
- He will remain in custody until at least 2036.
Mentioned in this story
Robert BrownJoanna SimpsonAscotParole Board
The Parole Board has ruled that a former airline captain who was jailed for killing his estranged wife is not fit for release.
Robert Brown killed Joanna Simpson, 46, in Ascot, Berkshire, in October 2010.
He was due to be freed in November 2023 after serving half of his 26-year jail sentence for manslaughter, but his release was blocked by the government.
Following a private hearing, the Parole Board has now ruled that Brown is not fit to be released from prison.
He will remain in custody until 2036, or until the board is satisfied he no longer poses a risk.
Brown, formerly of Winkfield, Berkshire, killed Simpson with a claw hammer at her Ascot home within earshot of their two children, then aged nine and 10, a court previously heard.
He buried her body in a pre-dug grave in Windsor Great Park before confessing to the police the following day.
The former pilot, then aged 47, was found not guilty of murder after a jury was told the couple's bitter divorce proceedings had put him under great stress.
He was sentenced to 24 years for manslaughter and a further two years for an offence of obstructing a coroner.
Joanna Simpson's mother Diana Parkes CBE said: "I am incredibly relieved that the Parole Board has decided not to release Robert Brown.
"We have all lived with the fear that this might not be the case but thank goodness it was unanimously agreed he should not be released.
"My daughter would have been 62 on the 6 May, and, of course, we remember her as the beautiful and vivacious woman she was at 46. That is how I will always remember her."
She went on to praise her grandchildren: "Joanna's children have grown to be the most wonderful young people.
"They have been my salvation over the years and I feel sure I have been theirs. I have every faith that they owe their tenacity and strength to the early years spent with their mother who adored them as indeed I do."
- 31 Oct 2010: Brown kills Simpson and buries her body
- 1 Nov 2010: Brown hands himself in to police
- 24 May 2011: Brown is sentenced to a 24 years for manslaughter
- 11 Oct 2023: Brown is eligible for automatic release
- 24 Nov 2023: Case is considered by the Parole Board and adjourned pending a judicial review
- Feb 2024: High Court upholds the decision to detain
- Feb 2024: Brown appeals the decision
- March 2024: The High Court rejects the appeal
- 19 July 2024: Parole Board oral hearing date is set
- 23/24 April 2026: Parole hearing takes place
- 11 May: Parole Board rules that Robert Brown is not fit to be released
Q&A
Why was Robert Brown not released from prison?
Robert Brown was not released because the Parole Board ruled he is not fit for release due to concerns about his risk to the public.
What was Robert Brown sentenced for?
Robert Brown was sentenced for manslaughter after killing his estranged wife, Joanna Simpson, in October 2010.
When was Robert Brown supposed to be released?
Robert Brown was due to be released in November 2023 after serving half of his 26-year sentence.
How long will Robert Brown remain in custody?
Robert Brown will remain in custody until at least 2036 or until the Parole Board determines he no longer poses a risk.
